Joseph has had his own private audience with his father and his sons but as Jacob gets closer to death, he has things to say to his whole family.
Read Genesis 49
Jacob assembles his family. Once again note the interchange of names, they are “sons of Jacob”, he is their “father Israel.” He prophesies to each of them (v1-2). Each prophesy involves factual description of their lives along with moral assessment and this leads to consequences. Reuben as “first born” should be his father’s heir and representative. There were times when he sought to lead and be his father’s “strength” but also serious moral failure including sleeping with his father’s concubine.[1] Whilst some Bible’s head this chapter as “Jacob blesses his sons”, it is clear that this is not blessing but judgement. Reuben will “no longer excel”, he will not lead.(v3-4).
Simeon and Levi are spoken to together, they are described as violent and blood thirsty. Jacob may well be thinking about the occasion when they sought to avenge their sister’s rape. They will be scattered through the land. The tribe of Levi would become the priestly tribe and not have a specific allotment in the land. Simeon’s tribe would be absorbed into Judah (v5-7).
The amount of space given to each son is n indication of significance and Judah receives his own extended prophecy. Judah’s story is one of turn around, he had failed, brought shame but had come through for Joseph. Judah and not Reuben will provide the kingly line. This should also have been a clue that Saul’s dynasty was unlikely to succeed (v8-12)!
Zebulan is simply told whereabouts his inheritance in the land will be, to the north west on the coast (v13). Issachar’s prophecy is fascinating, he is described as a donkey among sheep! He will look to enjoy his inheritance but succumb to servitude (v14-15). Dan’s prophecy marks the tribe out as one that will supply, judges. The description of a snake biting at riders perhaps reflects the geography of a norther tribe positioned to defend from Assyrian invaders (v16-18). Asher, Gad and Naphtali receive short, single statement prophecies (v19-20)
Despite his sons already receiving a prophetic blessing separately, Joseph also receives an extended blessing. The persecution and trouble he has faced ad stood firm in the face of is recognised. His descendants are marked out as warriors/archers. He is promised great blessing. Ephraim would of course dominate the future northern kingdom (v22-26). Benjamin is once again in Joseph’s shadow, the description of a ravenous wolf again points to warrior responsibilities (v27).
The author is clear that these are not merely individual blessings and prophecies but that each son represents a tribe. The prophecies are appropriate to them, they fit their characters and appropriately describe the future setting and history of each of the tribes.
Digging a little deeper
Because the descriptions seem to fit well with the future lie distribution of territory and the history of the tribes, some have been inclined to assume that the prophecies were written after the event by later editors and then put into Jacob’s mouth. However, if we trust God as the one who is Lord of Time, then we can have confidence in Jacob to look forward and see the future. I agree with the traditional view that Moses edited Genesis and will have brought together written and oral accounts. He may well have shaped the retelling of the event in order to help instruct the Israelites about to enter the land.
The big focus in the chapter in terms of space given is on Joseph and on Judah. This reflects their status as saviour figures and pointers towards Christ, Jospeh as type, Judah as ancestor. The promise of kingship and description of a lion is specifically about Jesus, God’s king, the lion of Judah.
A look at ourselves
If it feels repetitive to us to be consistently reminded that Jesus is our saviour and king, that’s intentional on the Holy Spirit’s part as he inspires Scripture to keep embedding that message. We are forgetful and need to be reminded.
At the same time, there is the challenge about the evidence of where our lives are hid, in which inheritance we share. Do we belong with the stark warnings and judgements to Reuben and Simeon or are we found in the blessings offered to Judah and Joseph?
[1] Genesis 35:22.
Faithroots 